Biomimetic design of fibril-forming non-immunogenic collagen like proteins for tissue engineering

Abstract

Collagen, a key component of extracellular matrix serves as a linchpin for maintaining structural integrity and functional resilience. Concerns over purity and immunogenicity of animal-derived collagens have spurred efforts to develop synthetic collagen-based biomaterials. Despite several collagen mimics, there remains limited exploration of non-immunogenic biomaterials with the capacity for effective self-assembly. To combat the lacuna, collagen like protein (CLP) variants were rationally designed and recombinantly expressed, incorporating human telopeptide sequences (CLP-N and CLP-NC) and bioactive binding sites (CLP-NB). Circular dichroism analyses of the variants confirmed the triple helical conformation, with variations in thermal stability and conformation attributed to the presence of telopeptides at one or both ends of CLP. The variants had propensity to form oligomers, setting the stage for fibrillogenesis. The CLP variants were biocompatible, hemocompatible and supported cell proliferation and migration, particularly CLP-NB with integrin-binding sites. Gene expression indicated a lack of significant upregulation of inflammatory markers, highlighting the non-immunogenic nature of these variants. Lyophilized CLP scaffolds maintained their triple-helical structure and offered favorable biomaterial characteristics. These results accentuate the potential of designed CLP variants in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and industrial sectors, supporting the development of biocompatible scaffolds and implants for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.